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Posts Tagged ‘front-end loaders’

There are different types of loaders, and they are handy pieces of equipment to have on a construction site.

You’ll often come into contact with these types of loaders on the work site:

Bucket loader

Front end loader

Front loader

Payloader

Skip loader

Wheel loader

Track loader

Swingloader

All loaders are tractors – some have wheels and some have tracks – that has a bucket on one end so the driver can scoop up loose material and move it around. Loaders come in various sizes. Most of them are wheeled, but sometimes a tracked loader comes in handy.

On construction sites where gravel or loose sand needs to be moved, a loader is a useful piece of equipment. But you need a qualified operator to make good use of it.

You can always find employment as a loader if you have a few construction companies in your area. In northern states, many municipalities use loaders to move snow off of streets or parking lots. Business owners or landlords at large apartment or business complexes may use them too.

The most common type of loader is the front end loader, although skid steer loaders are fairly popular as well. Compared to industrial loaders, however, they’re both quite small.

If you can learn to operate a large loader, such as a front loader like the John Deere 944K or the LeTourneau L-2350, then you should be able to operate smaller loaders just fine. Backhoe loaders not only have a bucket on one end but also a backhoe on the opposite, giving this small tractor an extra measure of mojo for the operator.

Terminology is something that everyone needs to come to terms with when starting a new career, and heavy equipment operations is certainly no different. Some terminology is manufacturer-specific, some regional-specific, whilst others often fit into the category of slang and only used in some workplaces. Loaders are a good example with the generic term ‘wheel loader’ the most common. Other forms of loader really depend on size or the way the loader operates when it comes to naming them. The following is a list of common terms used to name ‘wheel loader’.

Front-End Loader – another generic term for a loader.

Skip Loader – this loader is quite small, with the arms that control the loading shovel coming from behind the operator.

Skid Steer Loaders – this is also a small loader and runs on tracks. It’s the tracks that give this loader its name. Each track runs independently with steering handled by stopping or reversing one track – hence the term ‘skid steer’ loader.

Backhoe Loader – (often referred to as just a backhoe) is a combination of a wheel loader and excavator (or hoe, which is at the back of the vehicle). This is a popular unit of heavy equipment because of its versatility.

You may come across other terms used to name loaders, and hopefuly you’ll come to terms with those names quickly. Fortunately, loader training on one will equip you with the basic skills required to operate all with the exception of a backhoe loader. You’ll need to learn to either use the excavator component or learn to operate excavators to be proficient on this equipment. Loaders do the same basic job – they move earth and load dump trucks. For most operators, these are easy to learn to operate and a lot of fun on the job.

Loaders are not all the same although in most cases, the operating principles are the same. All loaders perform similar actions – they have a scoop style bucket at the front and it is used to scoop up material, move it to another location, and dump it. A loader can also be used like a bulldozer to spread material like dirt, sand or gravel over an area. That concept remains the same with most loaders with the exception of some of the smaller loaders that can have various attachments added to do other types of work.

It can be disconcerting for a loader operator that is used to operating a larger wheeled loader to suddenly find themselves in the seat of a small skid steer loader, for example. Rather than the bucket arms being placed at the side and forward of the operator, now they are placed behind and over the operator. The steering is also different with skid steer loaders relying on tracks which are independently controlled using foot pedals.

Training on a variety of equipment like loaders, bulldozers and backhoes can help to familiarize operators on these different types of controls. Of course, that training needs to be hands on in-the-cab training, not just a walk around and a demonstration by a trainer. When looking for a training program involving heavy equipment, ask the training organization what equipment they have and which equipment will you be receiving hands on experience with. Don’t assume that all heavy equipment training programs are the same.

Don’t forget to include ATS Heavy Equipment Operator Schools on your list of possible training school options. We provide training across a range of heavy equipment including loaders, bulldozers, graders and backhoes. If you’re interested in a heavy equipment career, talk to us about where your closest school is and what equipment they have available at that location.

When it comes to heavy equipment and the construction industry, sometimes size is a problem, not a benefit – that’s where backhoes step up and complete the job. Backhoes can perform the same duties as most excavators. Of course, being somewhat smaller, they do take a little longer to complete a task, but when space is limited at least they can complete the task.

Backhoes and excavators are similar machinery when it comes to the tasks they can perform. Many of the attachments are similar as well. Although they can perform the same duties, these machines look nothing like each other.

Excavators generally run on tracks whilst backhoes run on wheels. Excavators have a large cab and engine room where backhoes are more like a tractor when it comes to the cab and engine room. Excavators and backhoes both use booms and buckets, the big difference being the size of bucket. Backhoes differ from excavators in that they also have a front-end loader style scoop at the front of the machine.

With those differences noted, the final straw is in their look and maneuverability. Backhoes tend to be long and narrow. Excavators tend to be in the short and squat category. It is the squat issue that makes their life harder when working in tight spaces. Backhoes can drive into smaller areas and still operate effectively.

Backhoes can be fun to operate. They are certainly one of the easier machines to learn to operate. Backhoe training as part of a general heavy equipment training program is the norm these days since it provides new operators with a wide variety of skills. If you think backhoes are toys when it comes to heavy equipment, think again. They are an essential part of any construction team.

One of the most versatile members of the heavy equipment family are backhoes and they really do earn their keep when it comes to housing projects. The reason for backhoes being so popular is because they are able to perform all the work required – the ultimate multi-task machine.

Backhoes are able to perform a lot of the work of a bulldozer, clearing the land ready for construction. Whilst they may not have the power of a bulldozer, they still pack plenty of grunt and their scoop at the front not only cuts into the surface like bulldozer, it can also carry the dirt the same as a front end loader. There are two units of heavy equipment taken out of the picture.

Once the ground has been cleared, the backhoe can act like an excavator and dig trenches for foundations and for services that require underground pipelines. There is a third unit of heavy equipment covered.

If the ground is particularly hard, there are numerous attachments that can be added to help break it up – a task that would take half a dozen men a couple of days to do using pick-axes or by using explosives.

Backhoes are versatile enough to do all of those task and more. They are also one of the few pieces of heavy equipment that maneuver around a house whilst under construction and clean up all the debris and left over construction material.

Training to operate backhoes is done as part of an overall heavy equipment training program. This is a great way to learn how to operate a backhoe since you also gain skills on bulldozers, excavators and front end loaders. You gain the skills and the understanding of these machines, which ultimately helps in your role as a backhoe operator. It also provides you with alternative career options when required.

What are front loaders and why would you want to drive one? Front loaders are also known as front-end loaders and sometimes simply as loaders. They are a great piece of heavy equipment, with an enormous range of functionality. They come in a number of different sizes to suit the tasks that they are required to perform and the locations that they are being used in.

The typical front loader has a wide bucket that is made for moving material. That is their primary function, moving loads from one place to another. The bucket is mistaken, by many people that are unfamiliar with heavy equipment, to be a bulldozer blade. In fact, bulldozers and front loaders have little in common (though a blade can be fitted to a front loader to turn it into a light dozer).

A range of different hydraulic attachments make front loaders suitable for a range of tasks. They are wheeled, not tracked, so they are easy to use in built up environments. Being wheeled, they don’t have nearly as much power as a heavy tracked bulldozer, but they get most jobs done quickly. Wheels make front loaders maneuverable and faster moving, and it is for these reasons that they are so popular.

If you are interested in training for an exciting career in front loaders, please contact us at Associated Training Services. Front loaders provide rewarding careers for people such as yourself in a range of different industries/

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* Associated Training Services fully endorses the national certification program offered by the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO), and will prepare candidates for the CCO certification examinations.